Top Things to Do in Stow, MA This August: Orchards, Lake Boon, Golf & Ice Cream

As the golden light of late summer filters through Stow’s orchards and the days start to shorten just a touch, our little town hits its stride. Mid-August here is all about peaches you can smell from a few feet away, breezy afternoons on the lake, shady bike rides, lush fairways, and ice cream so good it’s basically a local treasure. If you’re lucky enough to be in Stow this time of year, here’s how to make the most of it.

---

1. Pick-Your-Own Harvest at Honey Pot Hill Orchards

Honey Pot Hill isn’t just a farm—it’s practically a rite of passage. Mid-August brings rows of peach trees heavy with fruit, so ripe they practically drop into your hand. Add in early apple varieties starting to blush red, fields of blueberries, and that unmistakable scent of fresh cider donuts drifting from the farm store, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect summer morning. Pro tip: arrive early to beat the weekend rush, and bring a cooler for your haul—you’ll want to take everything home.

---

2. Stroll or Ride the Assabet River Rail Trail

If you think summer walks are too hot, you haven’t been on the Assabet River Rail Trail in August. Towering trees line much of the path, creating a leafy canopy that makes biking, walking, or jogging a cool and relaxing escape. The trail winds through Stow and into neighboring towns, giving you glimpses of wetlands, wildflowers, and the occasional heron fishing in the shallows. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel a world away without leaving town—and the perfect prelude to a sweet treat in Maynard.

---

3. Paddle & Picnic at Pine Bluffs Beach (Lake Boon)

Lake Boon has that “did I just stumble into a summer postcard?” feel. The water is warm well into September, and the gentle shoreline at Pine Bluffs is ideal for wading, launching a kayak, or just floating the afternoon away. Pack a picnic with fresh bread, local cheese, and juicy August tomatoes, and claim a shady spot under the pavilion. It’s also a great place to watch the sun sink low and cast golden reflections across the lake—a little reminder that summer’s magic lingers right up until the last minute.

---

4. Tee Off at Stow’s Golf Courses

If golf is your thing—or even if you’re just golf-curious—Stow is the place to be. Stow Acres Country Club offers both North and South courses with wide fairways, mature trees, and the kind of peaceful quiet that makes every swing feel better. Butternut Farm Golf Club is another local favorite, with its rolling greens, friendly staff, and post-round patio for celebrating (or laughing about) your score. Even hitting a bucket of balls at the range is a great way to spend a summer evening here—you’ll likely catch a sunset over the course.

---

5. Treat Yourself at Erickson’s Ice Cream in Maynard

You can’t talk about summer in this area without talking about Erickson’s. Since 1937, this little stand has been scooping cones so good they’re practically a landmark. Locals know to grab a spot on the picnic benches and enjoy the people-watching almost as much as the ice cream itself. Whether you’re into classic chocolate chip or can’t resist seasonal specials like black raspberry or maple walnut, there’s no wrong choice—except maybe not getting a double.

---

Soak It In Before It’s Gone

Mid-August in Stow is that sweet, fleeting window when summer feels both relaxed and full of possibility. The orchards are bursting, the greens are glowing, the lake is inviting, and there’s still time for one more ride, one more paddle, one more cone. Around here, we don’t just watch the seasons change—we savor them. And this one’s too good to let slip away.